Choosing a countertop surface material that fits your lifestyle is the first step towards a functional kitchen. There are a lot of options currently available in the market. That’s why you might have some trouble deciding between the popular kitchen countertops in Alexandria.
Each countertop material has its positive and negative aspects. For example, some are very durable; on the other hand, others can be easily marred or scratched. Similarly, some materials are a lot more expensive than others.
Here we have put together the most popular kitchen countertops in Alexandria to help you make the right decision for your kitchen remodel.
Quartz
Quartz is one of the most popular kitchen countertops in Alexandria right now. It is practically maintenance-free as engineered quartz countertops are scratch, heat, stain, and impact resistant.
Moreover, being a non-porous surface, quartz countertops don’t need to be sealed like other natural stone countertops. Quartz is available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and ranks close in popularity to the evergreen choice: granite.
Quartz kitchen countertops usually cost around $15 to $70 per square foot in Alexandria.
Granite
Granite is the evergreen choice of all homeowners. Traditional granite kitchen countertop offer a high-end look that adds to your kitchen and provides a durable prep surface.
Being a natural material, granite has variations in pattern and color, and that is quite common. For most people, this variation adds to granite’s appeal. Besides, in most regions, the cost of granite and quartz are comparable so you shouldn’t expect a lot of difference regardless of where you live.
Unlike quartz, granite needs a bit more care than manufactured quartz to keep its design. For instance, you need to seal it every year. When it comes to the price, granite countertops cost around $15 to $140 per square foot in Alexandria.
Laminate
Laminates are the most budget-friendly kitchen countertop option available in Alexandria. Currently, laminate countertops are enjoying a resurgence in popularity because of new patterns that mimic the looks of natural stone, wood, or even quartz at a fraction of the cost.
Laminate countertops are made by bonding the laminate sheets to a particleboard core. Moreover, this allows you to purchase them as pre-formed units or custom fabricated ones according to user needs.
Wood
Wood countertops are adequate for a warm and farmhouse kitchen remodel. Decorative, as well as functional, this hardworking surface is appropriate for food prep.
Further, it is adequately sealed and even sanitary for chopping meat. In contrast to other budget-friendly options, like laminate, wood is highly heat-resistant, and you will not have to worry about putting hot pots or pans on the surface.
In Alexandria, most homeowners choose to mix wood countertops with other surfaces like a natural or engineered stone to provide various prep surfaces.
Marble
It’s unsurprising that marble is among the most popular kitchen countertops in Alexandria. This gray-toned material in Carrara or Calacatta marble isn’t just aesthetically pleasing but it also helps disguise wear and hides light stains.
With a timeless appeal, marble gives any kitchen a decidedly luxury touch. The cost of marble is comparable to some granite options. Marble countertops cost around $15 to $190 per square foot in Alexandria, VA.
However, a huge drawback of marble is that it is porous so staining can be an issue. However, regular sealing and special care will help you maintain your marble countertop.
Soapstone
Soapstone countertop is highly stain and bacteria-resistant. It is a non-porous natural stone available in a range of gray tones from light to dark. In addition, there is subtle veining that adds to its design.
Soapstone, unlike other natural stones, doesn’t require yearly sealing. However, you may need to apply mineral oil to disguise any surface scratches, add gloss and deepen the stone’s color.
When it comes to the price, soapstone countertops cost around $40 to $150 per square foot, making it among the most affordable countertop materials.
